Monday, May 15, 2017

Civil Wedding of Princess Marie-Gabrielle and Antonius Willms

Princess Marie-Gabrielle, oldest child and only daughter of Prince Jean and his former wife Hélène Vestur, civilly married Antonius Willms in Luxembourg today. Antonius is the son of Hayo Willms and Countess Maria Theresia von Goëss. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Antonius and his family lived in Luxembourg for several years where his father worked in finance. Marie-Gabrielle was born in Paris. The couple now lives in Germany.

Princess Marie-Gabrielle of Nassau and Antonius Willms were married by Lydie Polfer, mayor of Luxembourg city, at the city's town hall. The religious wedding will take place near Marbella, Spain, later this year on a property owned by the in-laws of Antonius' sister Marie-Caroline.

While Princess Marie-Gabrielle chose her brother Prince Constantin as her witness, Antonius Willms chose his brother Johannes. They chose the 60th birthday of Marie-Gabrielle's father, Prince Jean, as the date of their civil wedding.

Also in attendance for the civil ceremony were other members of the Grand Ducal Family: Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie, Prince Louis as well as Princess Alexandra; Prince Jean as well as his sons Prince Constantin, Prince Wenceslas and Prince Carl; Princess Margaretha as well as her children Princess Anunciata, Princess Astrid and Prince Josef. In addition, Hélène Vestur, Marie-Gabrielle's mother was present. As were Antonius' parents and his siblings Johannes, Anna and Marie-Caroline with her husband Alejandro Gamazo Hohenlohe.

After the civil wedding, the new husband and wife as well as their guests made their way to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame where Princess Marie-Gabrielle - who will keep her title - offered her bridal flowers to Our Lady of Luxembourg.